The Fulbright Arctic Initiative will create a network to stimulate international scientific collaboration on Arctic issues while increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Using a collaborative model to translate theory into practice, program participants will spend 18-months engaged in addressing public-policy research questions relevant to Arctic nations’ shared challenges. Program participants will focus their research on one of the following Fulbright Arctic Initiative themes:

Energy

Water

Health

Infrastructure

A total of 16 outstanding scholars from the U.S. and abroad will be selected to participate in the program as Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholars through an open, merit-based competition. At least four of the scholars will be selected from the United States and at least one scholar will be selected from each of the other Arctic Council member states.

Eligibility

Successful candidates will include scholars at all career stages, applied researchers, professionals, and Indigenous and traditional knowledge experts active in the academic, public or private sectors that demonstrate outstanding qualifications and a record of experience and accomplishment in an area clearly related to one of the designated research themes. Applicants must be conducting current research relevant to the program's themes and objectives, be open to exploring and incorporating comparative, interdisciplinary approaches in their investigations, and interested in developing collaborative activities with other Fulbright Arctic Scholars.

Applicants must be citizens of the country from which they are applying and residing in the country at the time of application. Non-U.S. applicants who have dual-U.S. citizenship or who hold permanent residency "green cards", whether or not they reside in the U.S., are not eligible. Since specific residency requirements vary from country to country, applicants should contact their local Fulbright office directly to determine their eligibility.

A Ph.D. or equivalent professional/terminal degree is preferred. For professionals, practitioners, and artists outside academe, recognized professional standing and substantial professional accomplishments are required.

Preference will be given to early or mid-career academics, applied researchers and/or professionals with research experience in the public, non-profit, or private sectors.

Applicants should have particular expertise and research experience in one of the identified research areas.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Length

Program activities will commence in spring 2015 and conclude in fall 2016. All grantees are expected to attend three seminar group meetings, complete a research visit to the U.S. for a minimum of six weeks, up to three months, and maintain ongoing virtual communication with fellow grantees and lead scholars. The research visit must be completed prior to June 2016.

May 2015 – First Group Meeting and Orientation (to be held in Canada pending funding)

Fall/Winter 2015-16 – Mid-year Group Meeting (to be held in Finland)

Fall 2016 - Final Group Meeting (to be held in the United States)

Grant Provisions

Scholars will receive funding in the amount of USD $40,000 (or an equivalent amount in local currency). This allowance is intended to support travel to all program meetings, travel and maintenance for the exchange visit, research materials and assistance for grantees only.

Accommodations and meals for all group meetings will be covered separately.

Contact Information

Applicants from all countries are encouraged to contact CIES. Finnish applicants are recommended to contact CIES with questions they may have during the holiday season, as the Fulbright Center is closed on December 22, 2014 - January 4, 2015.